THE FOREST

The least talented actor will modulate his voice in order to telegraph the sex of the character whose lines are being read, but Lynn Redgrave's performance here is extraordinary. Even the casual listener can tell a king from a subject, a virgin from a woman who has given herself in love. The recording quality is excellent, and Redgrave's skills bring the novel's large and varied cast to life. Edward Rutherfurd writes in the manner of James Michener's later work, setting fictional dramas in the sweep of historical fact. In this case, he uses England's New Forest to tell of that region's people, from William the Conqueror's ill-fated son, Rufus, to those of the present day. Lively history. Brilliantly enacted. B.H.C. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 00]